Colombia is named for explorer Christopher Columbus. Of course it is! Individuality is a mindset yet family comes first, then community. Colombians are peace loving, polite and proper. Old European manners are practiced (see August, 12, 2020 post). Colombians are extremely hard working and have a grand entrepreneurial spirit.
Fathers are traditionally the head of the family. Mothers are traditionally head of the household, although 55% now work. 95% of the population are Roman Catholic. Family is #1. Spanish is spoken, but English is understood. 60% of children complete their primary education. Many are sent to the US for College education. Mestizos (mixed European and Indigenous) are about 58% of Colombia's population.The word "Mestizo" is used for statistical purposes only. Never refer to anyone as a "Mestizo."
Mountainous Columbia is the size of California and Texas combined. Colombia has a population of 54 Million. The Capital is Bogota with a population of 8 Million. 80% of the citizens live in cities. Colombia is one of the top most economically unequal countries in Latin America and globally.
Mind the high altitudes and the tropical temperatures averaging around 85 degrees. Daily afternoon showers are common and the rainy seasons are Fall and Spring. Be sure to pack a sunscreen and a light raincoat and skimmer rain shoes. Colombia also has a vast diversity of animal species and a fine Zoo. Watch the narrow and winding roads as well, they can be treacherous, especially with the rains.
Natural resources are coffee, bananas, cotton, sugarcane, rice, orchids, and a starchy root vegetable called cassava, which looks like a potato. It is a woody shrub and is a staple in the Colombian diet. They are also known for their coal, petroleum, NG, iron and other metals. One of my Nephew's favorite things in Columbia were the delightful tin roof homes with wonderful decor and the diverse biomes from greens to rocky, and the many different kinds of fruits.
Sports is all "Futbol", soccer to those of us "Gringo's" in the US. Also a national sport is Tejo, (a heavy metal disc) an air bowling, rural game. Bullfighting is also a revered sport. Sports is always a safe conversational topic.
Public manners are Old European Manners (see August 12, 2020 post). Dress codes are casual chic for men and women and also feminine for women. Long pants at night for gentleman. Clean, neat dress jeans are acceptable for women. Do not wear dirty tennis shoes or sandals. Beware of pick pockets. Visit travel clothing companies for hidden pockets. Be prepared for long lines at the airport, and do not engage with strangers at the airports or in public. Be silently polite if you cannot walk away. Do not wear jewelry, not even fake jewelry. Pick pockets will take their chances that your fake jewelry is real. Do not talk about politics, religion or drugs. Do not mention the Panama Canal. Be mindful of the epic traffic. Don't ever accept food or drink from a stranger. My Nephew's favorite snack was an "arepas" (corn cake) from a roadside tented vendor by a highway and he enjoyed his Colombian Fanta soda too.
Punctuality and time are not strictly stressed. To be 1/2 hour late is normal and fine. To hand out a business or personal card is appreciated. Shake hands with everyone when entering an event. Families hug and kiss. If you are invited to attend a bullfight, go. Tickets are hard to get and expensive.
Drink and carry bottled water and be sure to stay hydrated as high altitudes can dehydrate you, and you won't realize it. Carry 2 pink bismuth chewable pills with you, and take them before every meal - just in case. Working Breakfasts are common. Continental Breakfasts are common. Beware, the coffee is strong! Business lunches and dinners are popular. Dinner is at 8:00pm. Meals are 2-3 hours. Eat in the Continental style. Keep your hands above the table always. Never eat your food with your hands. Iguana eggs are a delicacy. "Ajiaco" is potato soup and typical in Bogota. "Sancocho" is a meat and vegetable stew. "Agua con pollo" is a sweet drink made from brown sugar enjoyed in the afternoon. Sample the local Rums if you are of age. Try their local beer. Colombian seafood is wonderful. Do not call the waitstaff over with your index finger. Do not burp. Do not overeat. Do not yawn in public without your mouth covered. Do not eat with your mouth open. Do not eat while walking down the street. Never take anything to eat without offering it to others first. Smiling is important. Colombians are very generous hosts.
Often, the 10% tip is included, but if not, leave a 10% tip. Ask if you don't know. Tip the Taxi driver 10%. Official Taxi drivers are hired by the Hotel. Tip the maid $5 a day. Tip the Porter $2-3 per bag. Banks are open 9am - 3pm. Most shops are open 9am - 7pm and may close for lunch from 12-2. Currency is the Peso. 1 Peso = 100 Centavos. Be careful using your credit card. Cash is best. Do not change money on the street as street vendors are known for counterfeiting. Remember, most health services are in the cities, sparse in rural areas.
Colombia unearthed the Patricia Emerald, one of the largest and high-quality emeralds in the world.
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